University of Georgia - Athens, GA
A little scruffy around the edges, a little hungover by Sunday morning, but deeply proud and fiercely alive when the Dawgs take the field.
It’s a town where you’ll find a legendary punk show and a tailgate serving deviled eggs on fine china on the same block. Where front porches turn into living rooms, and it’s perfectly acceptable to yell “Go Dawgs!” at a stranger and get a bark in return.
This isn’t the polished, postcard version of the South. Athens is humid vinyl shops, sidewalks slick with beer by midnight, and a stubborn kind of community that doesn’t forget its local joints when the chain restaurants move in. The Redcoat Band blasting from the bridge, the hedges guarding the endzone like a family secret, the weight of a rivalry that stretches from Florida’s beaches to the Tennessee hills — it’s all stitched into the town’s fabric.
City Snapshot (Quick Glance)
Nickname/Claim to Fame
The Classic City, Home of the Georgia Bulldogs
Home Teams & Stadiums
University of Georgia Bulldogs, Sanford Stadium
Vibe Check: One-sentence feel for the city on game day
Vibe Check: One-sentence feel for the city on game day
Athens turns into a slow-burning, bourbon-soaked block party where barking isn’t just for dogs—it’s the local language.
How to Get There & Where to Stay
Closest Airports
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Driving Distance from Major Cities
Atlanta – 1.5 hours
Charlotte – 3.5 hours
Nashville – 5 hours
Do You Need a Rental Car?
Yes, Athens is walkable once you’re in town, but you’ll need a car to get there and to hit outlying tailgates.
Is There a Shuttle, Train, or Bus?
Groome Transportation runs regular shuttles between ATL and Athens.
Parking Tips if You Drive In
Parking is tight near Sanford on game day. Best move: park at one of the off-campus lots like the Classic Center deck and walk in with the crowd.
Best Travel Recommendation
Fly into ATL, rent a car, and take the scenic drive to Athens. Book a downtown hotel early or find a porch-front rental near Milledge Avenue to soak up the full game day vibe.
Best Places to Book if You’re Walking to the Stadium
Graduate Athens
Hyatt Place Athens
Short-Term Rentals with Tailgate-Friendly Patios
Look for Airbnbs near Milledge Avenue or Boulevard — walkable and porch-perfect.
Hotel Vibe Ratings
Graduate Athens: Vintage college nostalgia meets boutique cool
Hyatt Place: Clean, walkable, perfect for groups
Hotel Indigo: Stylish, music-centric, great rooftop
The Fan Experience
Traditions & Rituals
The Dawg Walk — team marches through a roaring tunnel of fans pre-game
Calling the Dawgs — “Goooo Dawgs! Sic ’em! Woof! Woof! Woof!”
What to Wear
Red and black dominate. Sundresses and boots for women, polos and khakis for men, but the vibe is loose and tailgate-ready.
Tailgating Style
Massive, scattered setups across North Campus, Myers Quad, and front lawns. Porch parties are a local staple.
Chants, Cheers, and Anthems
“Calling the Dawgs” is the go-to anthem. The Redcoat Band leads the charge with “Glory, Glory.”
Before the Game
Top 3 Tailgate Parties
North Campus Lawn — the heart of the classic scene
Myers Quad — student-heavy, loud, chaotic
Fraternity Row — rowdy, packed, open coolers everywhere
Where to Park & Pre-Game
Park at The Classic Center Deck or downtown streets. Pre-game at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. or The Globe
During the Game
Southwest corner student section is pure madness. Lower bowl seats near the hedges give you the closest thing to being inside Georgia football.
After the Game
Where the Crowd Goes After a Win
Clayton Street floods with fans. Boar’s Head Lounge, The Roadhouse, and Walker’s Pub are staples.
Late-Night Eats
The Grill – feta fries and burgers, open 24/7
Little Italy – cheap pizza and pitchers ’til late
Post-Game Bars with DJs, Dives, or Dancefloors
9d’s Bar – ‘90s dance party
Silver Dollar Bar – classic Athens dive
Walker’s Pub – mellow post-game drinks
Where to Eat & Drink
Bars Near Campus
Creature Comforts Brewing Co. – hometown beer heroes
The Globe – Irish pub with balcony views
Boar’s Head Lounge – a go-to for strong pours
What to Eat in the Stadium
Varsity chili dogs, boiled peanuts, BBQ sandwiches — grab them all.
Post-Game Bars with DJs, Dives, or Dancefloors
9d’s Bar, Silver Dollar, Walker’s Pub
Late-Night Eats
The Grill, Little Italy
Must-Eat Food Spots
Mama’s Boy – famous biscuits and Southern brunch
The Last Resort Grill – local, elevated Southern plates
Pulaski Heights BBQ – backyard BBQ, killer brisket
Local Culture for Travelers
Neighborhoods to Explore
Five Points – indie shops, porches, neighborhood bars
Normaltown – relaxed, music-heavy, home to Automatic Pizza and the 40 Watt Club
Cool Shops for Vintage or Local Team Merch
Cheeky Peach – game day fits with Athens flair
Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother – funky, vintage, offbeat Athens tees
Bonus: Cultural Side Quests
Georgia Theatre Rooftop – live music and skyline views
Wuxtry Records – one of the South’s legendary record shops
Local Insider Tips
From a Local Fan
When someone barks at you, bark back. It’s not a joke — it’s your entry ticket.
Things Not to Do
Don’t wear Florida or Auburn colors. Even a hint of orange will get you side-eyed.
Game Day Hacks
Sanford has a strict clear bag policy — bring a transparent tote or you’ll be hiking back to your car.
Extras
Instagram Spots
The Arch on North Campus
The Hedges at Sanford Stadium
Georgia Theatre Rooftop
Hype Playlist
BowlGuides: Georgia Football Weekend – Spotify Playlist
Local Merch Collabs or Drops
Game day mornings on Clayton Street often feature pop-up merch tables with Athens-only drops.
Hangover Brunch Spots
Mama’s Boy
Five Bar Athens
Heirloom Café